Applying to an Advanced Certificate

Before applying for an Advanced Certificate, you should first carefully consider which certificate is right for you.

Application Procedure for IDC Students

If you are in your last semester of the Certificate Program in Technical Communication, or have already completed the Certificate in Technical Communication, you are eligible to apply for an advanced certificate. Submit a portfolio reflective of your work with a description of the audience, purpose, and your role in creating each product.

Application Procedure for Non-IDC Students

To be eligible to apply, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and hold a graduate certificate or master's degree in technical communication or related field from another university. You must also demonstrate that you have an appropriate academic record and acceptable writing ability.

• Complete an application for graduate admission to SPSU. You can download a printable application and mail it in along with the $20 non-refundable application fee. Or, you can set up an online account and apply over the internet.
• Submit a portfolio reflective of your work with a description of the audience, purpose, and your role in creating each product.
• Request one official transcript to be sent from each college or university attended.
• Waive the Certificate of Immunization. Download this form and sign the waiver at the bottom.
• Submit hree signed letters of recommendation written on letterhead
  The references should be from supervisors, clients, professors, or professional colleagues who can write about your work or academic record. Each letter should be in a sealed envelope with the writer's signature placed over the seal. You are to personally mail or deliver the envelope to our office or have the reference mail the letter.
• Write Application Essay
  An essay focusing on why the applicant has chosen an online learning environment for a graduate certificate in Technical Communication, essay should also include a list of elective courses the applicant is most interested in taking and why these courses support the applicant’s professional/academic goals. (essay should be at least 2 pages, double-spaced, and typed)
• Compile Professional Resume
  This professional resume should show current and past work experience.

The Graduate Review Committee may, at its discretion, request additional information to help it review your application, including the possibility of an on-campus interview with a member of the committee.

You may also send additional information that you feel would be useful to the committee in evaluating your application, including, for example, your professional portfolio.

International Students

International students who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a college in the United States must submit (1) an official English-translated transcript of college-level education, (2) the TOEFL scores, and (3) an affidavit indicating financial security.

Provisional Acceptance

Graduate students may be accepted provisionally when they have not fully met the criteria for admissions or in cases where the graduate admissions committee recommends additional course work to be fully prepared for program success.  Provisional status may require additional preparatory course work at the undergraduate or 5000-level, or a restriction on the number of courses a student can take. Provisional students are not guaranteed full graduate status.  Provisional status is generally awarded for one semester only.  Satisfactory completion of provisional requirements is determined by the graduate coordinator in consultation with the graduate faculty. 

For more information

Contact Donna McPherson at 678-915-7202.